The Most Beautiful Lake in the Central Plains Above the Clouds, the Colorful Source of Three Rivers, So Beautiful You Can't Bear to Leave

Unconsciously it's late autumn again. The red leaves in the north have fallen, the scene of layered forests tinted with colors is no more, while many southern places are still lush green with mountains, not showing any signs of autumn. At this time, the most beautiful places should be those in the Central Plains, which lie between north and south. In particular, the highest peak of Funiushan, known as the crown of the Central Plains, Yuhuangding, where Luoyang Baiyun Mountain is located, has become a fairy-tale world.

Luoyang Baiyun Mountain is a long-established 5A scenic area. Although there are no fewer than 30 scenic spots named Baiyun Mountain across the country, the most famous is undoubtedly Luoyang Baiyun Mountain. While Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain is also a 5A scenic spot, it is incomparable to Luoyang Baiyun Mountain in terms of altitude, culture, and scenery.

Baiyun Mountain is a scenic area famous for its mountains, honored as a 'fairyland on earth'. It belongs to the Funiushan range, an important climatic dividing line between northern and southern China. Yuhuangding in the area is the highest peak in the Central Plains, truly worthy of the title 'famous mountain of the Central Plains'. What people often overlook is that its water scenery is equally impressive. Baiyun Mountain is the source of three rivers: Yi River, Ru River, and Bai River (so it is not an exaggeration to call it the source of three rivers). They respectively flow into the Yellow River, Huai River, and Yangtze River, three famous rivers of China. This is rare among major scenic spots nationwide.

In Baiyun Mountain, streams crisscross, with flying springs and waterfalls everywhere. In the Jiulong Grand Canyon with a drop of 500 meters, there are pools every five steps and waterfalls every ten steps. The most spectacular is the Jiulong Waterfall, with a drop of 123 meters, resembling the Milky Way pouring down. Under the sunlight, countless rainbows appear. As visitors walk, the rainbows move with them, wrapping around them, making it a masterpiece of 'Central Plains landscape wonders'.

Besides Jiulong Grand Canyon, there are two lakes on Baiyun Mountain, at an altitude of over 1,500 meters. Although not as high as Tianshan Tianchi or Changbai Mountain Tianchi, they are among the best mountain lakes in the Central Plains. Though not very large, they are as green as jade, like giant emeralds embedded in Baiyun Mountain.

Baiyun Lake is not a natural lake; it is an artificial lake built in 1997, mainly used to regulate the water for downstream waterfalls. On sunny days, as water pours down from the lake, rainbows appear under sunlight, moving as people move, very beautiful.

Baiyun Lake is named after Baiyun Mountain. It is one of the main water features and water sources on the mountain. The lake has different scenery in each season: in spring, a hundred flowers bloom in riotous colors; in summer, the mountains are verdant and picturesque; in autumn, blue waves ripple and forests are tinted; in winter, white snow covers everything. All year round, it is a favorite spot for photographers.

When there is no wind, the lake is as smooth as a mirror, with crystal-clear reflections, like a sky mirror. The leaves on the mountains have been painted with rich colors by the autumn wind, vibrant and layered. This is one of the most beautiful autumn scenes in the Central Plains. Encountering it is luck, and any casual photo becomes a masterpiece.

To facilitate visits, the scenic area has built lakeside boardwalks. Strolling along, the colorful forests appear even more bright and charming against the backdrop of Baiyun Lake.

The autumn colored forests have different styles for different species: some are light yellow, some light red, some purple. Some turn yellow and are taken away by the autumn wind; others cling to the branches even after turning purple, tightly rolled, looking like blooming flowers when photographed.

Different seasons bring different views, and different angles offer different experiences. Walking on the boardwalk allows close contact with the colorful forests. Using a drone for aerial photography reveals another charming appearance.

There is a boat dock by Baiyun Lake. If interested, visitors can go boating with family or friends, enjoying the experience of 'boats sailing on blue waves, people traveling in paintings'. Chatting, sightseeing, daydreaming, taking photos—it makes a perfect and unforgettable afternoon. Pick a moment of autumn, bring a ray of warm afternoon sun, to experience the colorful beauty of Baiyun Lake and savor the passionate tinted forests. This source of three rivers will not disappoint.